An operation that allegedly sold phony electronic products on eBay for hundreds of thousands of dollars of was broken up this week when Portland police detectives wrapped up a three-month investigation with the arrest of a Northeast Portland man.

He was charged with first-degree trademark counterfeiting.

Hung Truong, 38, was arraigned Friday afternoon in Multnomah County Circuit Court. With the help of an interpreter, he pleaded not guilty and was released. A second hearing on the matter was scheduled for June 3.

Outside the courtroom, Truong said questions "drove him crazy." Before walking out of the building he said he "didn't speak English too well."

Cheryl Waddell, a detective with the Portland Police Bureau's white-collar crime unit, said authorities were tipped of by Sony corporation officials, who spotted fakes for sale on the Internet. They appeared to be shipped from Portland. She said a legitimate Sony television remote sells for $30 in the store. The fakes were listed for $10.

After looking into the tip, detectives began what Waddell described as a "backward investigation" to figure out who was selling the products. Waddell said the product packaging -- the printing, colors and even security holograms -- was so sophisticated that it would be impossible for the average consumer to not be fooled.

Waddell said forensic experts are examining computers seized during the investigation, which is continuing with detectives tracking records to determine where the products were made, how they ended up in Portland and where they were sold and to whom.

Not only do customers spend money for inferior products, Waddell said, but the products were not tested or built to industry standards. The batteries, for example, could heat up and explode. A counterfeit extension cord seized during the investigation melted when plugged in, she said.